Taxonomy:
Common Names by Region:
Description: The Great Blue Heron is a large wading bird notable for its slate-gray body, long legs, and S-shaped neck. Adults typically measure between 97–137 cm (38–54 inches) in height and have a wingspan of about 167–201 cm (66–79 inches). They possess a distinctive black plume extending from the eye to the back of the head and have a dagger-like bill adapted for fishing. During flight, they retract their necks and their legs trail straight behind them.
Known Range: The Great Blue Heron is found throughout North and Central America, including the Caribbean and the Galápagos Islands. Their range extends from the southern regions of Canada down through the United States to Central America and parts of South America. They are adaptable and can be found in a variety of wetland habitats, including freshwater and saltwater marshes, rivers, lakes, coastal shorelines, and mangrove swamps.
Diet: Great Blue Herons are carnivorous and primarily eat fish, which they catch with swift, precise strikes using their sharp bills. They also consume amphibians, reptiles, small mammals, insects, and occasionally other birds. Their hunting technique involves standing still or slowly stalking prey in shallow water before striking.
Breeding: Breeding season for Great Blue Herons typically occurs from March to May, depending on the region. They nest in colonies called rookeries, often in trees or shrubs near water. Nests are large and made of sticks, lined with softer materials. Females lay 2-6 pale blue eggs, which are incubated by both parents for about 28 days. Both parents participate in feeding the chicks, which fledge approximately 60 days after hatching
Lifecycle: Great Blue Herons reach sexual maturity at about two years of age. They have a lifespan of about 15 years in the wild, although some individuals have been known to live longer. These herons are migratory in northern parts of their range, flying south to warmer regions during the winter. Their migratory patterns depend on the availability of food and suitable nesting sites.